"abortion, against birth control, against gay marriage, for censorship, et cetera."
Religion is the source of ethics and morals... so it must be the force against such pressure groups. Today, we already accept homosexuality and abortion... But as Guy Eaton writes ... These practices were taboo only fifty years ago, if the same level of moral degradation follows in society; eventually paedophilia will be equally accepted as a natural urge.
Can you see the trend that I am illustrating - first we become flacid on certain issues next thing you know we will be as decadent as the Romans.
"but the way most Christian women are raised is to be ashamed of their own sexuality, as if enjoying it were sinful."
This is a very Puritan interpretation. In the Catholic, both men and women are taught to be responible and take the sacrament of marriage (as it protects both parties both spiritually and economically) from harming themselves. The familiar lament of the "regretted sex" can be avioded simply by being chaste, untill you commit to someone you are willing to remain with for your life.
"I'd agree with you, but there are certain cases when I don't think a woman should be forced to go through with her pregnancy at all, such as if she were a victim of rape or if the pregnancy were life-threatening to her or something."
Quite a disturbing topic... But termination will not make the pain go away, in one way of looking at it; abortion could be compared with running away from your fears. Besides the cruel origins - a child is an innocent gift, who as a person had nothing to do with the rape or no say as to their fate... that is life or death.
The ancient people celebrated women as martyrs who died in child birth. This was seen as the ultimate sacrifice - so another may be born. I guess you need to be very spiritual to find meaning out of this though.
"Johnny Cash's cover, actually. I'm not really what would qualify as a Christian, but I do believe in a lot of Christ's teachings, although not, in many cases, as Christianity traditionally presents them."
Indeed. You are not Robinson Crusoe - As I am not a model Christian either.
Anyhow, Cheers.
